Biographical Note - Danielle Somers

Danielle joined the University of Sydney as International Development Manager (Scholarships and Grants) in the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) in 2009. She took up the position as Director of the Office for Global Health in the Sydney Medical School in January 2013.

Danielle comes from a public health and biomedical science background. She has spent nearly 15 years working in the Australian university sector with a research focus on chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer), research evaluation, bibliometrics and research administration. Previous to this, Danielle worked in the private pathology sector in Mackay and Sydney in microbiology, haematology, histology, semen analysis and assisted reproductive technology (ART), immunohistochemistry, serology and collections.

Danielle has written several successful grant applications to funding bodies including AusAID, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC), Nestle Foundation, Erasmus Mundus, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) Institutes and Councils (such as the Australia China Council and Australia Thailand Institute) and negotiated several agreements with foreign governments such as the China Scholarship Council (CSC).

In her current role as Director of the Office for Global Health, Danielle is responsible for managing the team, identifying opportunities that enhance the University’s and specifically the Division (Sydney Medical School, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Pharmacy) international profile and facilitates development of further partnerships and relationships. Developing key strategic relationships in regards to research and innovation, teaching and learning, the student experience and community engagement between the University of Sydney and other stakeholders internationally is key. She also provides analysis, program development support and advice on funding and relationships with partners in target countries and regions for the Division. The prime aim is to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our region by engaging in health projects with some of Australia’s nearest neighbours.